This tasty dish features juicy chicken breasts filled with fresh spinach and creamy cheese. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a comforting meal!
I love how colorful and tasty this chicken looks on my plate. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will ask for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their ease of stuffing. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using turkey breast or chicken thighs for more flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a vibrant color and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach is a good substitute—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative, or you can use ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Cheeses: I love mozzarella for its meltiness. If you want something sharper, switch to provolone or even feta cheese for a unique taste. Parmesan is key for a savory kick; skip it only if you must!
Herbs: Dried Italian seasoning is easy to use. If you have fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, feel free to use them for a fresher taste. Don’t forget to adjust the quantities as fresh herbs tend to be more potent.
How Do I Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but following a few steps can help keep your filling secure. Start by making a clean pocket with a sharp knife. Just slice gently along the long side of the breast without going through.
- Cut carefully about two-thirds of the way through the chicken breast.
- Use a spoon or your fingers to fill the pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture gently, ensuring it’s packed but not overflowing.
- Use toothpicks to seal the opening if needed, but make sure to remove them before serving!
Practice makes perfect! The more you do this, the easier it will become, and you’ll have perfectly stuffed chicken breasts in no time!
Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: toothpicks to secure chicken breasts
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready for the chicken when you’re done prepping.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Using a sharp knife, carefully make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting into the side, but don’t cut all the way through. This pocket will hold all that delicious filling!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the spinach and cheese mixture, and gently stuff it into the pocket of each chicken breast. If the filling looks like it might spill out, you can secure the opening with toothpicks.
5. Season the Chicken:
Season the outside of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds flavor to the skin as it cooks.
6. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
7. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once your chicken is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty spinach stuffed chicken breasts!
FAQ for Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery filling. This will help maintain the right texture in your stuffed chicken breasts.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, or even sour cream for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure the substitute is creamy enough to blend well with the other ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in the oven or microwave, being careful not to dry out the chicken. A splash of broth or water can help keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them finely and pre-cook any that release a lot of moisture.
